Kindness and Tenderness of Jesus, Our Great High Priest

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV) … “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Our High Priest is not cold and unfeeling. That is, we have one who is abundantly qualified to sympathize with us in our afflictions, and to whom, therefore, we may look for aid and support in trials.

Had we a high priest who was cold and heartless; who simply performed the external duties of his office without entering into the sympathies of those who came to seek for pardon; who had never experienced any trials, and who felt himself above those who sought his aid, we should necessarily feel disheartened in attempting to overcome our sins, and to live to God. His coldness would repel us; his stateliness would awe us; his distance and reserve would keep us away, and perhaps render us indifferent to all desire to be saved.

However, Our Great High Priest has nothing but tenderness and sympathy. Therefore, He attracts those who are feeble, and His kindness does more than anything else to encourage those who have to encounter difficulties and dangers. [1]

[1] Barnes, A. (1884–1885). Notes on the New Testament: Hebrews. (R. Frew, Ed.) (p. 106). London: Blackie & Son.